CompTIA Executives Offer Encouragement, Guidance to the Class of 2015

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May 28, 2015, 10:30 ET

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., May 28, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With graduation season in full swing at schools, colleges and universities across the country, senior executives with CompTIA, the information technology (IT) industry association, shared their thoughts and perspective with the Class of 2015.

"It's not what you know, but what questions you ask. In a world of increasing information, success in business and life will be about asking the right questions, listening to the answers and synthesizing that knowledge. Learning never stops, especially in technology. You always have to be learning or you will become obsolete."
Charles Eaton, CEO, Creating IT Futures Foundation, Duke University

"You never know what someone else has going on. Everyone has something, so give everyone a wide berth, with grace. It will give you a much wider perspective on the world."
Randy Gross, CIO, University of North Carolina

"Technology makes it far too easy for us to feel a sense of importance through long lists of friends, connections and followers. But it's important to have real relationships based on live, in-person interactions that offer true, mutual benefit and enjoyment. Be a good communicator, sincere and kind, interested and appreciative, empathetic and inspiring. Be someone remarkable and memorable."
Nancy Hammervik, senior vice president, industry relations, University of Delaware

"You'll inevitably find yourself working with people that are smarter, more talented and better educated than you. Look for other ways to differentiate yourself. Never underestimate the importance of hustle and having the conviction to bring your 'A-game' to every situation. Everyone can be trained to think creatively. Those that couple creativity with an ability to execute on ideas are immensely more valuable in the workplace. On a personal level, find and pursue hobbies – the more the better. It will make you a far more interesting person and pave the way for more interesting relationships throughout life. Lastly, take at least one solo trip abroad, a country where you don't know a single person, or the language. Scare yourself by venturing into the unknown. You'll be glad you did."
Tim Herbert, vice president, research and market intelligence, John Carroll University and George Mason University

"Find something that makes you truly happy. Don't go into something because it might be an impressive career, might make a lot of money or because Dad said to do that. It's also okay to try on different 'hats.' That way you can find the one the fits best."
Colleen Hughes, vice president, human resources, Clarke College and Roosevelt University

"Equip yourself with the tools, skills and commitment to be an active and engaged citizen. We need young people to pursue lives and careers that lend to the public good. Technology allows them to do so in deeply personal ways; but it can also isolate and separate and harden specific views. Don't let that happen."
Elizabeth Hyman, executive vice president, public advocacy, Tufts University, London School of Economics and American University, Washington College of Law

"First, it's important to like what you do and who you do it with. Make sure you're a good match with the job and the company before you accept an offer. Second, you are responsible for your career advancement. No one owes you the next step up. If that next step is important to you, sometimes you have to leave a comfortable job or company to take it. Finally, work/life balance matters even if you don't yet have a partner or children."
Kelly Ricker, senior vice president, events and education, Miami University

To learn more, visit CompTIA online, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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